An integrated ZigBee front-end module, the RF6555, is available from RF Micro Devices. The module is targeted for use with smart energy and the AMI (advanced metering infrastructure) for utilities and customers to monitor and save energy. The module integrates a power amplifier, harmonic transmit filtering, and low noise amplifier with bypass mode in a single 5x5x1mm package. The company claims that these dimension help to reduce footprint, lower the bill of materials and reduce power consumption. The module is suitable for battery operated applications, such as smart meters, demand response, and HAN (home area network) devices. It can also be used for industrial and other wireless sensing and control applications which require low power consumption. The module operates with Ember's EM351 and EM357 chips, in SoC and network coprocessor modes, and its EM250 SoC and EM260 network coprocessor.
